Sian Berry, co-leader of the Green Party, visited a community-owned solar PV scheme in Burneside and a zero-waste shop in Penrith as part of her recent visit to Cumbria.
In the south of the county, she visited the James Cropper Ltd plant in Burneside, learning about their recycling of coffee cups and their community energy partnership with Community Energy Cumbria, supported by CAfS. She also visited Ulverston to hear about proposals for empty commercial properties.
In Penrith, Sian learnt about initiatives to reduce plastic, including a visit to the new zero-waste shop, Another Weigh. Local Green Party members and activists also briefed her on a proposed Plastic Clever Penrith scheme for businesses by the town council in partnership with environmental and business groups, and the Masterplan for the area.
Another theme running through her visit to the county was the issue of flood prevention and defences.